Rachelle Van Zanten

March 20, 2008

Hey World

Baker has just put down a BAD ASS drum part. It is intense, on the edge of his seat kinda drumming. I like it. My coffee has just worn off so I am trying to stay up and not crash while Joby edits his great fills. I hear lasagna is on the menu tonight so that means an audio break in a few minutes. Theresa, you are the best. We are recording like banchees (?), trying to get it all done before i buzz off to other parts of the globe. So far, I am stoked. Baker is brilliant. He is the master of big and unique sounds and has an excellent ear for candy. I am exhausted and need a bag of chocolate covered espresso beans or a spirulina drink. Soon we will be onto final vocals which means I need to stop running and do humid, low impact activity. I can't afford to screw up the ole vocal chords. India is looking brilliant. I am excited to find new inspiration both musically and spiritually. I think mom wants a fridge magnet. Dad will want his standard trucker hat.

March 16, 2008

Hoedown! Hoedown!

I am tired! I sit here in the YVR Airport on taser alert, ready to take a hit at any time. Actually I am eating sushi after 2 months of withdrawl. I am slightly delirious after 2 full on, amazing shows and little sleep.
The Francois Lake Hall show was truly memorable and I am still buzzing, even though it is now 2 days past. Mark Perry is one of my most favorite songwriters so it was a complete honor to play by his side. I send out a huge thanks to mom and dad and sis for helping me put it on and another huge thanks to the community for packing into my favorite hall. "January" never sounded so good.
Smithers was a riot as well. I should have turned to 11 as the crowd was spunky and wanted desperately to let loose thus making the concert format slightly challenging. We pulled it off but it wasn't wasy. The scene reminded me of my days back at the Rosebowl in Edmonton. Anyhow, I was honored to finally get to play for the Skeena Watershed and I completely believe in what they are doing and shall join them on the blockade to keep SHell out of the Stikine! Thank you so much to my 2 Burns Lake groupies for making the long drive there and back again...i appreciated the good bathroom banter:)
So now I am looking at a Rainbow Roll..mmmmm....tuna, salmon, roe, crab. Gotta Go! I will miss you Francois Lake and surrounding environs.

March 3, 2008

Jeff Healey

Back in 2000 I think, Painting Daisies went to Toronto to play at "Healey's". This was one of our first gigs in Toronto so we were excited and nervous as were finally playing in the big music city. The show was alright and we got reviewed in NOW or some other music magazine. The highlight for me that night was when Jeff Healey made his appearance and listened to our show. He then stayed after the show to meet us and proceeded to give us words of encouragement saying that we had something special and we needed to go for it. He charged me to follow my dreams and become a world class musician. I shall miss him. My heart goes out to his family, fans, and friends.